142 debris removal crews shut down on Wed. May 15th and are on standby this week due to weather. They should be back to work on debris removal on Tues. May 28th. Soil testing and site assessment is still ongoing.

Questions about the debris removal schedule? Contact the Debris Removal Operations Center at (530) 399-0434 or visit them in person at 900 Fortress St., Suite 200 in Chico.

On May 22nd, the Town Council will hear a report from our planning consultant UDA regarding the community vision process. This presentation will include proposed recovery projects based on community input and ideas for updated building standards related to fire safety. PG&E will also provide an update on future energy plans for the Town.

Cal Fire would like residents to keep in mind that using equipment the wrong way can unintentionally cause dangerous sparks. Make sure to only use your lawn mower on green grass and never when it’s windy or excessively dry. For more information visit www.readyforwildfire.org/equipment-use/.

Check a contractor’s license number online at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800.321.2752

Get at least three bids

Get three references from each bidder and review past work in person

Make sure all project expectations are in writing and only sign the contract if you understand the terms.

Confirm that the contractor has workers compensation insurance for employees.

Avoid paying more than 10% down or $1,000 whichever is less. Avoid paying cash.

Avoid letting payments get ahead of the work.

Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project, including payments.

Avoid making the final payment until you are satisfied with the job.

Q: Can building permits be issued without potable water?

A: Yes, building permits can be issued as long as there is water, it does not have to be potable water. However, before a certificate of occupancy can be issued (the document needed to finalize the rebuild and move in), potable water must be available to the structure. This could be water that has tested clean from Paradise Irrigation District, a water tank, or other solution.

Q: I heard a rumor that you can’t build on a lot that is less than one half acre, is that true?

A: No, that is not true. Any lot that has septic approval is buildable.